ELI5: cognitive load

high confidence

April 10, 2026

// explanation

// eli5Imagine your brain is like a computer screen that can only show a certain number of windows at once [2]. When you're trying to learn or do something, your brain has to hold information in a special area called working memory [1]. If too many things are happening at the same time - like reading words, seeing pictures, AND listening to someone talk - your brain gets too full and you can't focus anymore [3][4]. It's like trying to play with too many toys at once when you only have two hands!

// sources

[1]Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive Load Theory is based on the model of human information processing illustrated below. This model describes memory as having three main parts: ...

[2]Cognitive load - Wikipedia

In cognitive psychology, cognitive load is the effort being used in the working memory. According to work conducted in the field of instructional design and ...

[3]Cognitive Load Theory - The Decision Lab

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is an instructional design framework that explains how the brain processes and retains information by managing the limitations of ...

[4]Minimize Cognitive Load to Maximize Usability - NN/G

Dec 22, 2013 ... The total cognitive load, or amount of mental processing power needed to use your site, affects how easily users find content and complete ...

[5]Cognitive Load | Laws of UX

The amount of mental resources needed to understand and interact with an interface. Cognitive Load is a psychology concept closely related to Miller's Law.

[6]Teaching Strategies: Cognitive Load Theoryvideo

Video by McGraw Hill PreK-12

[7]Cognitive Load Theory (Definition + Examples)video

Video by Practical Psychology

[8]Cognitive Load Theory, How Do I Apply It?video

Video by David Hendricks Professional Work

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